Smartphones in Scouting

A post about smartphones isn’t complete without a discussion on whether these devices are appropriate in Scouting.

For Scout leaders, smartphones can be an important tool in tracking advancement, researching questions on the spot, and keeping Scouts safe from weather hazards. For Scouts, I think the best approach is “everything in moderation.”

While smartphones can be a distraction from the great outdoors, they can also be a modern-day Swiss Army knife — a multipurpose tool to enhance a young person’s Scouting experience. Facebook friend Michael Kunz agrees. He wrote: “Mobile will become an accepted practice in Scouting. Prepare now for it.”

In fact, next summer’s national Scout jamboree will again embrace the use of smartphones by Scouts. Boys and girls who bring their connected devices will have an enhanced jamboree experience that allows them to find their way around the site, learn more about jamboree activities, and connect with other participants.

Campfire Songs

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad

Cost: Free (or remove ads for $1.99)

Description: “A collection of 175 classic campfire favorites. Great for use at Campfires, Campouts, Troop Meetings, Pack Meetings or whenever you have the desire to sing. Songs can be accessed by a type, such as Patriotic Songs, by an alphabetical index or by their tune.”

Camp Recipes!

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad

Cost: $1.99

Description: “Whatever you can think of to cook on a campfire, this app has 10 ways to cook it. And they aren’t just made up either….these are campers’ favorite recipes from all over the country, tried and true, cooked and eaten. With over 700+ recipes conveniently listed by category, by time, and by keyword search, you can literally go on 100’s of campouts and hike’s without eating the same thing twice.”

Dutch Oven Calculator

eTrailToEagle

Devices: Android, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad

Cost: $1.99

Description: “Using your eTrailToEagle account, you can use this application to manage rank and merit badge information for all of your Scouts. You also have quick and easy access to your troop address book to quickly contact anyone in the troop.”

EveryTrail and EveryTrail Pro

Devices: Android, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad

Cost: Free or $3.99 for paid version with no ads and offline maps

Description: “EveryTrail is the best way to share trips, connect with other travelers and find great new things to do. Plot your trip, photos and videos right on the map and upload it to EveryTrail.com, Facebook and Twitter.”

First Aid by American Red Cross

Devices: Android, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad

Cost: Free

Description: “Accidents happen. The official American Red Cross First Aid app puts expert advice for everyday emergencies in your hand. Get the app and be prepared for what life brings. With videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know first aid.”

Geocaching

Devices: Android, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Windows Phone

Cost: $9.99

Description: “Groundspeak’s Geocaching Application provides real-time, direct access to Geocaching.com’s database of worldwide geocaches, as well as many other features designed to provide you with a lifetime of outdoor geocaching adventure anywhere in the world.”

Leafsnap

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad

Cost: Free

Description: “Developed by researchers from Columbia University, the University of Maryland, and the Smithsonian Institution. This free mobile app uses visual recognition software to help identify tree species from photographs of their leaves.”

Munzee

Devices: Android, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad

Cost: Free

Description: “Munzee is a real world scavenger hunt game where items are found in the real world and captured using your smartphone. You then level up and gain rank based on your score. Points are obtained by capturing other people’s munzees or when your deployed munzees are captured by someone else. Munzee is based off of the fundamentals of geocaching and adds another layer of fun to the hunt.”

The Night Sky

Devices: Android, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad

Cost: $0.99

Description: “Enables you to identify the stars, planets, galaxies, constellations and even satellites you can see above. Just stand anywhere and hold your device up to the sky and The Night Sky will display the names of the stars, planets and other objects you are able to see.”

Pack Badges

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad

Cost: $3.99

Description: “Helps you track the advancement of Cub Scouts, including requirements for Tiger, Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos badges, and the various electives and activity badges for each year of the Cub Scout program.”

SAS Survival Guide and SAS Survival Guide Lite

Devices: Android, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Windows Phone

Cost: Free for Lite, $5.99 for the version with full text

Description: “For over twenty years, the SAS Survival Guide has been the definitive guide to surviving any situation, anywhere in the world. Now, for the first time ever, the million-copy bestselling book has been reinvented for the iPhone.”

Theodolite

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad

Cost: $3.99

Description: “Based on a centuries-old navigation instrument, Theodolite is a cool multi-function augmented reality app for the iPhone that serves as a compass, GPS, map, zoom camera (photo & movie), rangefinder, and two-axis inclinometer. Theodolite overlays real time information about position, altitude, bearing, and horizontal/vertical inclination on the iPhone’s live camera image, like an electronic viewfinder.”

US Army Bugle Calls

Devices: Android, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad

Cost: Free

Description: “This selection of United States Army bugle calls allows people to play from 18 classic bugle calls. Great for Soldiers, family members, ROTC Cadets, Boy Scouts, band members and anyone who wants a soundboard of Army bugle calls.”

The Weather Channel

Description: “Accurate and relevant weather information whenever weather matters to you. With 200+ meteorologists and, our ultra-local TruPoint(sm) forecasting technology, we provide you with the weather tools you need to plan your day, week, or even the next hour.”

Part of getting the Scouting Story out is the visuals we provide. To do that we need to make the visuals “Pop”. I reccomend a bunch of fun and easy photography apps for the iphone:

Photogene2 – it’s a mini photoshop for your iphone. Take a photo, crop, and adjust it then tell your story on facebook – all without leaving your phone.

Big Lens – This allows you to isolate a part of your photo while “slightly blurring” the rest. This makes your subject really pop out.

Plus there’s iTimeLapse – Make a time lapse movie with your iphone, add music from your library and publish the result right to you tube or facebook. Here’s my first attempt done at summer camp and added to facebook in minutes: http://youtu.be/AYwh-MvZI-s

Any one of these can help you make great visuals and help share Scouting’s story.

i liked this post on facebook but then it occured to me… isnt scout to get away from the big world full of electronics and other such things. My troop has a rule, no electronics at meetings and camping trips. I have heard several other troops say they have this rule. So this confuses me and makes me question what boyscouts is turning into. And no i dont think you can make the argument that they are adapting to new times becuase theyve tried so hard to keep the scouts looking in the past and keeping the scouts acting as in the old times with all the merite badges aimed at the past. I would love to hear everybodys thoughts on this and feel free to message me on facebook

i would say look to the Scout Motto – “Be Prepared”. what are you preparing your scouts for? life? then electronics needs to be a part of it. the merit badges reflect this thinking – electronics, computers, etc. (i’m not up with the current list, i’ve been away from scouting for a while) but i remember technology oriented merit badges back when i was a scout in the 80s. i can understand a rule about it during meetings – it could get disruptive and cause problems. but do electronics have a place in scouting? of course! Be Prepared! life is not only lived in the woods. (unfortunately)

Let’s say there is a Scout who has become quite interested in knots. They’ve already mastered the few knots that are in the Handbook and are interested in learning about additional knots that may be more useful. To learn more, they go to the library and check out a knot-tying book / find a knot tying website / download a knot-tying application / ask someone that is knowledgeable about knots. This is simply a way to access information. Generally restricting the same information content because of a different delivery mechanism makes no sense. Limits make sense during meetings and campouts – you don’t necessarily want Scouts running off to the library in the middle of meetings or a Scout calling his uncle about geology in the middle of a campout or downloading an application about veterinary medicine during the flag ceremony.

A key point in Scouting is education, and telling scouts they should never use technology to learn about Scouting skills just makes no sense.

To me it is simple. A lot of “No Electronics” was set in place was when electronic devices were only music and game based. That has now changed. Now we have electronic learning tools and if scouting can benefit from the learning/teaching experiance, they should be concidered.

Our troop has the same rule about electronics. The only difference is that we allow them to bring them on long trips and can only be used in the vehicles. once we hit our destination all electronics stay in the car except for adult leaders cell phones and those are used only if needed.

Our troop has come to the same realization as Ronald. The electronics, specifically smart phones, have gone way beyond transistor radios and Mattel electronic football. There are guidelines out there for troops that want to allow the use of electronics. Generally our policy is that smart phones are allowed to be used because of apps like this. However there is no Facebook, angry birds, etc.. allowed. In other words the devices are to be used for education or as tools. This does not mean we allow the tools to supplement traditional skills. They are only meant to augment existing skills like using a compass, reading a map, etc..

The BSA has modernized during the past 100 years, as has the Scouts Association (GB), and Scouts Canada, as well as most other Scouting organizations, I would presume. However, in 1970, a group of people resisted the modernization of the Scouts Association in Great Britain, and formed the Baden-Powell Scouting Association, targeted as Traditional Scouting. There are counterparts in Canada, the US, and elsewhere. Here, in the US, this group is call the Baden-Powell Service Association (they were served with a Cease and Desist order by the BSA, as the BSA’s Congressional Charter allows the BSA the exclusive right to use the term “Scout” and “Scouting”). The BPSA is a member of the World Federation of Independent Scouting Associations, and has seen considerable growth in the past few months. They bill themselves as Traditional Scouting, utilizing the original “Scouting for Boys,” as their primary handbook, as well as the original advancement system established by Baden-Powell, with differences accounting for location (George Washington Cord, as opposed to the Queen’s Cord, etc.). They also bill themselves as Scouting for All, and are coed, and fully inclusive in membership (to include orientation and religion – or lack thereof).

While the BPSA would frown on the use of technology in Scouting activities (forget flint-and steel – they require all fires to be started strictly by friction, alone!), the BSA has always tended to embrace advances in technology. Take a look at the merit badges that have followed the nation’s top industries, as well as changes in requirements, over the years. Look at the Scout geocaching award/ program, and let’s not forget the “Video Games” Cub Scout belt loop (is that academic or sports?)…

While I think it is great to understand our roots, and to be able to use those skills, I do believe that it is ok to use technology to supplement, _not_ supplant, our Scouting Skills, traditions, and roots, just as we use technology to aid us in our daily lives…

All thes apps and smart phones are great. And for the most part are great tools to have. But it is still a good idea to teach the up coming scouts to use a compass, protractor, scout book ect. Food for thought. What do you do when you smart phone dies?

Columbia Sportswear has a great free app called What Knot To Do. You can search knots by name or category (hitches, loops, etc.) You then can get info on what the knot is used for as well as a step by step graphic with instructions on how to tie the knot. It also gives you category info- for example, explaining what a hitch is for along with it’s subcategories are and how to tell them apart. I am a female leader with no knowledge of knots so this is really helpful for me- it has taught me a lot! I used it to teach my wolf cub scouts how to tie a square knot (which I learned is called a reef knot!) last year.

Kevin wrote: “Sad that you can’t get the Official BS Handbook on Android”

The PDF version of the Boy Scout Handbook can be read by many apps on smartphones, laptops and desktops, and it has searchable text (the iPhone app doesn’t do search). BSA also has PDF versions of the Scoutmaster Handbook, PL Handbook, Fieldbook, the Cub Scout handbooks, (at least 37 of the) merit badge handbooks, and more. I have purchased most of these in paper as well; they are dog-eared from use, but when I need to find something (“what Bear achievements have to do with hiking?”) I go straight to the PDF.

Unfortunately, only a few of these are easily accessible on scouting.org (Troop Program Features, Cub Scout Leader Book, and Cub Scout How-To Book). Why not the rest?

I would buy a bunch of other BSA publications in PDF format, if they were available. I have had the Cub Scout handbooks in PDF for several years, and they are incredibly useful. But I won’t be buying any more poor, platform-limited apps with no search capability, like the Boy Scout Handbook app.

We have a no electronics policy on outings as well, but there is a time that these apps and others like it can be integrated into the larger program. For example, we’ve used the Geocaching app to introduce Geocaching to our Cub Scouts. Our leaders often use Trimble and other similar apps to track and record hikes. I use Leafsnap to help identify trees and other plants since I frankly have had a block since I was a Tenderfoot on plant identification and I prefer to not give the boys an incorrect answer. The key is to use technology as an enhancement to the program and not as the program.

I’m trying to figure out if the Guide to Safe Scouting application was forgotten from the list or simply left off it because it’s not that good. It’s essentially a .pdf file that you can only view with an active internet connection.

Brian wrote: “I’m trying to figure out if the Guide to Safe Scouting application was forgotten from the list or simply left off it because it’s not that good.”

I didn’t know there was an app for that. I downloaded the GSS PDF from scouting.org and saved it on my phone, thus meeting the Tour Plan requirement to be “in possession of a current copy of Guide to Safe Scouting”. No Internet connection required and, of course, it’s searchable.

ob-app-recommendation: I have used some of the above GPS and mapping apps, but many of them draw their own contours then overlay points of interest, which don’t always convey the details. I like having real USGS 7.5′ quads, downloaded for off-line use in the backcountry. The two iPhone/iPad apps that I use are “Topo Maps” ($7.99), which has full-resolution quads (with collars and stitching) as well as GPS features; and “Trail Maps by National Geographic” ($2.99), which has both quads and aerial views.

Bryan, I realize that in this day and age that electronics are our future. And devices like our phones are common place and are a “good” replacement for the old “manual” devices we don’t seem to use much of anymore (compass, map, the stars…). However, our troop also has a “no electronics” policy. The problem with letting boys bring electronics on campouts and to meetings is that all they end up doing is sneaking off to find ways to play with them when adults aren’t looking. I believe that “arming” your troop with a few “smart” devices and GPS units is smart to teach them the ways of the future, but teach them the past first. But don’t let your boys bring their phones and iPod’s to meeting and campouts or you’ll lose their attention.

I have the use of OH, Ranger! park finder for android and its a free app. that gives new ideas of places to go camping at and whats available etc. I also find google sky map an awesome app for star gazing.

What about ScoutAdvancement.com Mobile? I know it’s not an “app” but it works offline on most mobile devices.

We just launched our mobile version of ScoutAdvancement.com which is a HTML5 mobile website which works on most mobile platforms (iOS, Andriod, Blackberry). It is basically in it’s beginning phase but we do have most of the Scouting references available for offline browsing. It also has Scouting videos, news, etc updated daily to keep you up to date in Scouting news.

Wow! As the developer of Knots 3D and an Eagle Scout myself, I am very excited our app was included in this Scouting Magazine list! The latest version, released a few days ago, now includes a pioneering/lashings section with square, diagonal, sheer, and round lashings. Also the much requested Monkey’s Fist for a total of 80 knots. The free version has 33 knots including all those needed up through First Class.

Sorry De. The cross platform dev tool we use doesn’t support Blackberry or Windows 8 so it won’t be anytime soon for either platform. There is something in Blackberry’s Android version for BB10 or Playbook (I don’t recall the specifics anymore) that keeps it from being able to run our app.

First, if you are you are an Android user, I highly recommend that you download and install the Amazon App Store app. Each day, the Amazon App Store makes a paid/ commercial app available for free. Past offerings have included Audubon Birds, and a couple of weeks later, Audubon Trees (both $4.99). Camping Checklist ($0.99), Knots 3D ($1.99), Knot Guide ($1.99), Star Chart ($2.99), Gaia GPS ($9.99), as well as non-scouting apps, too, including a variety of games and office apps…

As for my favorite Scouting apps, I would have to say that c:geo and Geocaching 4Locus (and Locus Free) both great FREE apps for geocaching; Gaia GPS for USGS Topo maps; Scout Trip Coordinator (to coordinate who’s going with whom, who took what equipment home, and to send mass texts/emails upon departure for home, amongst other things – FREE); Audubon Trees (and Birds); Google Sky Maps (mentioned above, as well as Star Chart); Surveyor (to measure distances, etc – FREE); Scoutgames (FREE); and during the Historic Merit Badge availability – Semaphore Flag (FREE); Knot Guide; and to quench my curiosity at different large Scouter gatherings – BSA Square Knots (referring to the emblems worn above a Scouter’s – or Scout’s – left breast pocket – FREE). I also recommend that parents and Scouts download BSA On-the-GO, so that they can track their own/son’s progress.

I also utilize the FREE Background Check by BeenVerified, which gives me one free credit for one free search, each month, now that I have learned that the BSA does not do full criminal background checks (one of our Scouts was assaulted twice during summer camp in 2011, by an ASM who is a convicted felon, and had been incarcerated, previously). Sadly, the victim’s membership was revoked the morning after the assaults, and the offender’s not until the next week, after he continued to stalk the victim. The offender has now plead guilty to Felony Harassment of a Minor, and the BSA has yet to re-admit the victim. As a matter of fact, after I sent a copy of the Police Report and the DFS Hotline Report showing that the Scouting Professional failed to hotline the abuse, and interfered with the investigators, lying about the availability of witnesses after he finally called the police over 15 hours, later, the General Counsel of the BSA called me, at work (I’m the SM, and a probation and parole officer), and told me that the BSA does not have enough money to pay for full criminal background checks (our Council Executive was paid $454,000, in FY 2010)! I HIGHLY recommend that all units download this app, and use it, especially if they do not have access to full, legitimate law-enforcement-grade criminal record sources, as I and other law enforcers do.

Finally, in order to read all of the great PDF’s that are starting to find their way around, PDF To Go, part of Documents To Go.

I like the idea of using the smartphone for the scouts to track their progress. While I can always go look at my son’s book to check his rank progress, the book does not track his progress on Merit Badges and my son is much more likely to track his progress if he can just tap on a requirement to mark it done than he is to pull out a chart or go into the spreadsheet I made him for that purpose. I would love to find an app that will track his rank and MB progress AND nights spent camping. It would also be nice if there was a way to link the apps together so that he could check it off on his phone and I could check his progress on my phone. Haven’t found one that will do all this, but thought I’d throw it out there in hopes someone will see this and create it.

Description: This is the NEW non official troopmaster AND packmaster web application. All rights go to TroopMaster Software, Inc. This personal app has been created for personal use only. If you would like your troop or pack to be listed in our app please purchase this within the app. Please tell all your scouting troops and packs about this app. Troopmaster or Packmaster Web is required.

I am looking for an app that will help our Girl Scout troop manage their meetings, activities and all the other important things that go along with girl scouting. Does anyone know of such an app? The girls are older and need a more “hands on approach” to leadership

The problem with ScoutApp is that it is pricey. There is nothing I could do with it. Can’t even enter the merit badges that my son got. It would be good if you make updating badges as free for at least 1 scout. Just let us select what badge has been completed.

I like to use the Fantasy Popcorn League app to manage Pack sales for our annual popcorn fundraiser. It has great theme to inspire participation and helps easily track inventory and sales across 30+ scouts.

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Bryan on Scouting is the official blog of Scouting magazine, a Boy Scouts of America publication. Scouting magazine is published five times a year and is received by 1 million registered adult volunteers.